Alternatives to side racks and alu panniers ???

[vincent danna]

hi,
i have the original BMW side racks and the "plastic" panniers on my gs.
was thinking first about buying touratech or hepco & becker equipment (side racks and alu panniers).
1- i wonder if there's a big difference between bmw original side racks and the touratech or hepco & becker side racks : relaibility, solidity ...
2- i wonder if this is the solution : i fear something breaks (fixations) in the tough roads + if i fall too, the panniers are like floating in the air attached to the side racks with a few kgs inside. So if it breaks it'll be difficult to get fixed locally again + worries afterwards

i now think about attaching a big bag (or two medium) onto/up the saddle behind me around the saddle and around the bmw side racks (they offer protections too) with bungee cords, something like that


and put a big tank bag with pockets on the sides, to avoid putting too much weight at the back (+ they offer protection)

eventually, a top case at the back to put the spare parts

nb : we had an interesting talk with grant and other travellers on bmw tech forum and on this forum there's a goog page link for gastank

the alu panniers are less easy to carry, than a big bag around the shoulder, they are safer though, they are some advantages and disadvantages in each case
it may be much cheaper the big bag option too

any experience or advice would be highly appreciated
thanks, safe travels